PETER AND THE ROCK

Lesson 8 for May 21, 2016

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Adapted from : www.fustero.es

This week we studied the life of Jesus, but we focused in Peter’s story and how he

responded to His ministry.

Peter’s declaration: “You are

the Christ.” Matthew 16:13-16.

Peter, a little stone

on the Rock.

Matthew 16:17-20.

Peter the tempter. Matthew 16:21-27.

Peter at the

celestial vision.

Matthew 17:1-9.

Peter and the temple

tax. Matthew 17:24-27.

PETER’S DECLARATION“Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus asked a question in two steps: “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” [what does the world say about Jesus of Nazareth?] and “who do you say that I am?” [who is Jesus for me?] (Matthew 16:13, 15).Peter answered spontaneously because of his character.He still had a lot to learn about Jesus’ redeeming work, but the Holy Spirit taught him a basic principle of faith; Jesus—the Son of God—is the promised Redeemer.He had accepted Jesus as a Holy teacher (Luke 5:8). He had seen Him doing amazing wonders and healing hundreds of people. Then He declared Him as the Messiah.

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of

Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

The Catholic Church has taught that Jesus appointed Peter the leader of the Church in that text.Actually, Peter didn’t play that role in the Primitive Church. In addition, the use of the word “rock” (πετρα) doesn’t support that interpretation at all.

PETER AND THE CHURCH The apostles sent Peter to Samaria (Acts 8:14). Peter obeyed the other apostles.

James was the one leading the first Council of Jerusalem; it wasn’t Peter (Acts 15:13).

Paul mentioned three “pillars” of the Church (not only one): James, Peter and John (Galatians 2:9).

THE ROCK

NEW TESTAMENT Paul wrote about Jesus being the Rock that

led Israel during the Exodus (1Co. 10:4) Peter wrote about Jesus being the Rock (1P.

2:8) OLD TESTAMENT

God is the Rock (Gn. 49:24; Dt. 32:4, 15, 18, 30, 31; 2S. 22:2, 32, 47; 2S. 23:3; Ps. 18:2, 31, 46; 19:14; 28:1; 31:2-3; 42:9; 62:2 …)“For no other foundation can anyone lay

than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 3:11)“and on this rock I will build My church.”

THE ROCK (πετρα) IN THE

BIBLE

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My

church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail

against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

THE ROCK

“But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” (Matthew 16:23)

Jesus told the disciples that He had to suffer, to die and to resurrect.Peter suggested an alternative plan, to avoid the cross. He focused in this life and forgot about the eternal life (the reason why Jesus was willing to give up His life for us).

THE TEMPTER

Peter let the devil use him as his spokesperson. Jesus was rebuking the invisible enemy who actually suggested that idea. He did so aloud so all the disciples could hear it (Mark 8:33).Jesus invited them and invites us today to renounce everything that could make us lose the eternal life (Matthew 16:24-27).

“and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” (Matthew 17:2-3)

God sent two men to encourage Jesus before His sacrifice (Luke 9:31).Moses and Elijah lived the sufferings we face in this sinful world. They also represented the fruits of Jesus’ sacrifice. That was the main theme of their conversation.

THE CELESTIAL VISION

Jesus was encouraged by them, so He also encouraged the astounded disciples (Matthew 17:7). That experience would deeply mark Peter (2 Peter 1:16-18).

“The faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened at the transfiguration, when they were permitted to behold Christ’s glory and to hear the voice from heaven testifying to His

divine character. God chose to give the followers of Jesus strong proof that He was the promised Messiah, that in their bitter sorrow and disappointment at His crucifixion, they

would not entirely cast away their confidence. At the transfiguration the Lord sent Moses and

Elijah to talk with Jesus concerning His sufferings and death. Instead of choosing

angels to converse with His Son, God chose those who had themselves experienced the

trials of earth.”

E.G.W. (Early Writings, pg. 162)

Priests, Levites and Rabbis were exempt from paying the temple tax.Peter accepted Jesus as rabbi and Son of God (John 4:31; Matthew 16:16). He tacitly admitted that Jesus was no rabbi by answering “yes” to that question. He wasted a chance to testify to his faith!Jesus explained him the inconsistency of making the Son of God pay the tax for the house of God (Matthew 17:25).In spite of everything, He was willing to renounce to His right to avoid an unnecessary controversy. He did it by performing a miracle, showing His power over nature and all living beings!

“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said,

‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’” (Matthew 17:24)

THE TEMPLE TAX

“Angels are listening to hear what kind of report you are bearing to the world about

your heavenly Master. Let your conversation be of Him who

liveth to make intercession for you before the Father. When

you take the hand of a friend, let praise to

God be on your lips and in your heart. This will attract

his thoughts to Jesus.”E.G.W. (Steps to Christ, cp. 13, pg. 119)